SHADOWS OF VALOR BOOK LAUNCH!

Elsie Park's medieval romantic fiction, SHADOWS OF VALOR will be released nationwide September 7, 2013, and the BOOK LAUNCH PARTY AND SIGNING will be two weeks later on SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 at the Layton, Utah, Barnes and Noble (1780 North 1000 West,  Layton, UT 84041) from 5:00 - 8:00pm. There will be treats, a short musical performance by the author showcasing a medley of the ballads she wrote for SHADOWS OF VALOR, and of course, she'll be signing books! Come and join the launch of this, her debut novel!

Shadows of Valor Paraphernalia

Through the Walmart.com Photo center, I was able to put my cover on some fun items I intend to make as possible door prizes at my book launch and subsequent book signings. Because some of the items had specific dimensions, the cover had to be cropped, cutting the sides a little more than I liked and cutting off my main hero character on the bottom, but other than that, I'm satisfied with the outcome.

Pillow case, mouse pad, deck of cards, frosted stein mug and key chain

Poly/Fleece blanket held up by my kids

Key chain

Mouse Pad

Frosted Stein Mug

Modern Song for a Medieval Story

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KnightInShiningArmor 

As I jogged in the cool morning air today, listening to one of my 80’s mixes, the song, The Glory of Love by Peter Cetera was among the variety. Listening to it again, I thought, “If I had to pick a modern representation of Shadows of Valor, The Glory of Love would be it!” I first heard the song in The Karate Kid II and was immediately hooked. It’s been a favorite of mine ever since. I often get shivers (the good kind) when Cetera sings, “Just like a knight in shining armor from a long time ago. Just in time I will save the day. Take you to my castle far away.” Such a great song! Anyway, here it in on Youtube, vocal and lyrics only. Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwXwLU4HihA

Select Musical Compositions in SHADOWS OF VALOR

After having an e-mail conversation with my publisher last night (taking up several messages back and forth), I was obliged to accept that ALL of my musical compositions wouldn't make it into SHADOWS OF VALOR as an addendum. Only ONE is promised to be in there at this point, and I still don't know which one it is. But, don't worry, I had my cry and today I feel better. A grateful attitude has returned to my heart that I'm getting published AT ALL, and by an AWESOME publishing house, Jolly Fish Press, and that the work of fiction I slaved over for years will see book shelves. I'm giddy and excited and happy over that fact *HUMBLE GRIN*

THE SAMARITAN’S PISTOL by Eric Bishop - A ROCKY MOUNTAIN THRILLER

When I see this cover I think, good old-fashioned "James Bond" thriller, but in a WESTERN! The color contrast is striking and sharp!

"Fast-paced and as big as the land it rides through . . . filled with rugged characters who resonate with the sounds and feeling of the true West. A remarkable debut novel . . ."—Andrew Smith, author, The Marbury Lens, Ghost Medicine, Winger, and Stick.

Overview (by Jolly Fish Press):

Even among his small town neighbors, Jim is a content man. Despite the emotional baggage from his time serving in Desert Storm, he successfully runs a ranch, owns several beautiful horses, and makes extra cash as a wilderness guide for wealthy tourists. He's a modern-day cowboy. That is, until he runs into an ongoing mob-hit while riding in the mountains. Now, his most beloved horse is bleeding to death, three mobsters are dead from his smoking gun, and a wounded criminal is begging for his help. Jim has to make a decision. He can either high-tail it out of there, or accept a tempting offer made by the criminal—a promise of millions in stolen mafia cash for any help he gives. Of course, only an idiot would turn down such an appealing offer when they’re marked for death anyway. Besides, Jim’s good nature cannot allow him to leave someone for dead, even a criminal. Soon, Jim finds himself on a trip to retrieve a truckload of stolen money near the Las Vegas strip, right under the Mafia’s nose. But even if they escape with the cash, will Jim’s conservative neighbors provide sanctuary for their local Samaritan, and how far will the mafia go for revenge?

ON SALE AUGUST 24, 2013!

ADULT / THRILLER / ACTION-ADVENTURE

350 PAGES, 6” x 9”

INGRAM

Hardcover ($28.99): 978-1-939967-12-1

Trade Paperback ($16.99): 978-1-939967-13-8

Ebook ($7.99): 978-1-939967-14-5

About the author:

ERIC BISHOP is known to his friends and family as an “author version of Clint Eastwood.” As the owner of a successful marketing firm, Bishop spends most of his time on his Utah ranch writing with the music of his adolescence bouncing off the walls. When he's not writing, Bishop enjoys spending time with his wife and four lovely daughters at his home in Nibley, Utah. Unlike Jim, Bishop hasn't had any run-ins with the Mafia. Yet.

Find Eric Bishop online here:
Facebook: facebook.com/Eric.Bishop.374
Twitter: @ericbishopwords
Website: www.eric-bishop.com

HOBO Spider Infestation!

©Mandy Howe, www.Spiders.us

So we've been having some uninvited, and unwanted, guests come through our basement abode lately (we're talking up to 4 a night when they enter through unknown cracks when the sprinklers outside water their webs). Yes . . . it's the poisonous HOBO spider *shivers*. Bleh. After doing our research and determining that they are indeed Hobos (and not the common harmless grass spider of similar features), my in-laws have contacted an exterminator. In addition, we spent the entire day cleaning and vacuuming the basement, setting out Hobo spider traps, spraying spider poison along the outside foundation cracks, removing webs outside along with the wood piles and other items sitting against the house. I managed to catch, crush and flush (say THAT five times - LOL) most of the spiders, but I kept a few for my father who wanted to "have a look at them." Nothing like a good old infestation to get me to deep clean my house - LOL! I'm sure no matter how bad your day is going, it's not any worse than the Hobo spiders' day when I catch them. *SMASH* And don't come back, you varmints!

http://www.spiderexpert.com/faq.htm

http://hobospider.org/

Strands of Pattern: Elsie Park on Medieval Weapons & Shadows of Valor

Strands of Pattern: Elsie Park on Medieval Weapons & Shadows of Valor: Jeff, thank you for having me as a guest! I enjoy you blog posts and comments, and I’m honored to be here. Shadows of Valor is my debu...